Rusal's Mystery Tycoon

Russian Aluminum Giant Readies IPO
As Its Owner Keeps Low Profile

MOSCOW -- Russian aluminum giant United Co. Rusal is preparing its public debut on international markets in unconventional style: by maintaining a wall of silence about the billionaire behind it.

Oleg Deripaska, a 39-year-old tycoon whose U.S. visa was withdrawn over questions about his past business dealings, owns two-thirds of Rusal, founded the company and previously acted as its chief executive. He plays a major role in a company that, through a series of big mergers, now rivals the West's biggest mining companies. When...